Description

During his reign, Pope John Paul II, known as "The Pilgrim Pope," made 146 pastoral visits within Italy and 104 international trips, covering over 1,167,000 km (725,000 mi), more than all previous popes combined. He attracted massive crowds, with some of the largest gatherings in history. While some destinations, such as the United States and Israel, had been visited by his predecessor Paul VI, many were unprecedented papal visits. John Paul II visited 129 countries, including nine visits to Poland, eight to France, seven to the United States, and five each to Mexico and Spain. His travels spanned six continents, reaching countries such as Albania, Brazil, India, Israel, and the Philippines.

From May 4 to May 9, 2001, Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to Greece, Syria, and Malta, marking significant steps in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue. In Greece, he became the first pope in over 1,000 years to visit, meeting with Orthodox Christian leaders to foster reconciliation. During his time in Syria, he visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, becoming the first pope to enter a mosque, and called for mutual respect between Christians and Muslims. In Malta, he celebrated the deep Christian heritage of the island, emphasizing its importance as a bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean. This journey highlighted the Pope’s dedication to building bridges among different faiths and traditions.

Obverse

Depicts the coat of arms of Malawi dividing the date, country name above and denomination below.

Malawi's coat of arms is based on Nyasaland's earlier heraldic arms. It features a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, standing on a representation of Mount Mulanje. The shield is divided into three parts: wavy lines symbolizing water, a central stripe with a lion representing strength, and a rising sun, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Above the shield is a fish eagle in front of a rising sun, symbolizing freedom. The scroll below the shield bears the national motto, "Unity and Freedom," reflecting Malawi's goals of harmony and independence.

REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
20 10
UNITY AND FREEDOM
5 KWACHA

Reverse

Depicts Pope John Paul II wearing a cassock, and mitre and holding papal ferula blessing crowds, Greek Ionic order in the background, Vatican emblem below them behind a banner containing the date of visit (days and year) and the number of visits within a circle from 104 Papal visits surrounded by country names above with crosses above and inscription of occasion and His Holiness name below.

The Greek Ionic order, one of the three classical architectural styles, is known for its elegance and decorative features, originating in the mid-6th century BCE in the eastern Aegean islands. Its defining characteristic is the volutes—spiral scrolls on the capitals of slender, fluted columns, which are taller and more refined than the sturdier Doric columns. Ionic columns also have a base, setting them apart from the Doric order, and support an entablature with a three-banded architrave, a continuous frieze often adorned with sculptures, and a decorated cornice. Notable examples of Ionic architecture include the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens, showcasing the style’s sophistication and influence in classical and later architecture.

The coat of arms of the Holy See combines two crossed keys and a tiara, used as the official emblem of the Holy See, and by extension the wider Catholic Church. These forms have origins attested from the 14th century.

+ GREECE + SYRIA + MALTA +
04.05.-09.05. 93 2001
JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS

Edge

5 Kwacha

Republic

Papal Visits
John Paul II in Greece, Syria and Malta

Subscribe series
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver Plated Cupronickel
Weight 25 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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